Images of Hope after Yolanda

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A Glimmer of hope in Tacloban a week after Yolanda (via gmanetwork.com)

Yolanda survivors in Tacloban play hoop amid debris (via gmanetwork.com)

Messages of survival (via sunstar.com.ph)

Picking up pieces (via rappler.com)

Filipino Spirit (via Instagram@chiazambrano) 

Faith still runs deep in Leyte a month after (via newsinfo.inquirer.net)

Woman keeps husband alive by manually pumping air into his lungs at hospital in Tacloban that is still without power (via Twitter@AFPphoto)

Story of true love (via newsgra.ph)

An image of Jesus Christ is unscathed after the storm... (via Twitter@raffytima)

Yolanda survivors turn ruined refs into fishing boats (via gmanetwork.com)

Despite the loss and devastation, people remain kind and smiling, and even positive (via Twitter@justcallmelloyd)

Volunteer Lourdes Sales writes messages of hope in relief bags (via Twitter@Joseph_Morong)

No help too small (via ph.news.yahoo.com)

Frida and Emma had planned on going to Boracay for vacation but decided to volunteer instead

(via Twitter@Joseph_Morong)

US Marines experienced Filipino Hospitality in Typhoon-Hit Manicani Island (via philnews.ph)

Alicia Keys chats with typhoon evacuees (via philstar.com)

Justin Bieber entertains evacuees at Tacloban City (via Twitter@ABSCBN_showbiz)

Newlywed couple urge Yolanda victims to 'stand up, rise again' (via gmanetwork.com)

Seen in Porto Portugal (via Twitter@Jimparedes)

Residents of Tacloban take a break from cleaning their houses to support Pacman (via Twitter@victoriatulad)

A Taclobanon cheering for Pacquiao (via christocentric73.wordpress.com)

A brother's love (via newsinfo.inquirer.net)

Babangon tayo!!! Tulong-tulong tayo! : )

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Sweets for My Sweet Tooth

I remember when I was in grade school I would buy a chocolate bar after having my lunch to satisfy my cravings for sweet food. Today, my sweet tooth makes me an easy target for itchy tonsil, worse cough and cold. I just love sweet foods. And so far, some sugary, caloric desserts are just unforgettable and unforgivable because after one bite it makes me crave for more.   

My favorites so far (in random order)…

Pastillas from Goldilocks

Photo source: goldilocks.com.ph

At Php49 for a pack of 12 pieces you will not have a hard time convincing me to spend. Actually, you don’t have to convince me. I also find DVF Dairy Farm's pastillas, ridiculously good. SM North Hypermart has it.

Sans rival from Burger Machine

Website: facebook.com/pages/BURGER-MACHINE/46498512876

This one used to be worth Php15. Now at Php18, still reasonably priced. Thank God! A slice of sans rival in various bakeshops is insane. But that one in Goldilocks dessert stand, one day I’d love to have a bite. And that one from Mary Grace too, the cashew nuts on top made it more interestingly appetizing. 

Halo-halo from Razon’s

Photo source: razonsfoodcorp.com.ph

I just adore the simplicity of Razon’s Halo-Halo. Fine crushed ice + few ingredients + creamy milk + leche flan topping  -  beans = two thumbs up.

Yema cake from Rodillas

Website: facebook.com/RodillasYemacake

Chiffon cake filled with yema what could go wrong? A must pasalubong from Quezon Province. 

Pastel from Vjander

Photo source: crumpylicious.com

When eating bread, any kind of filling is not a requirement for me. I’m fine with a slice of bread supplemented with coffee or milk. But this bread delicacy from Mindanao is really deliciously made. One is definitely not enough.   

Choco Polvoron from Chocovron

Website: chocovron.ph

The combination of polvoron and chocolate coating complement perfectly. Polvoron + chocolate = it’s like Pringles, once you pop you can’t stop.

Cloud 9 chocolate bar

Photo source: universalrobina.com

This is the chocolate bar that I mentioned in the beginning. This Jack and Jill chocolate filled with caramel, chewy nougat and peanuts has been my favorite since I was a kid. My craving for sweet foods can easily be solved with this very affordable sweetie.  

Magnolia Ice Cream’s Best of the Philippines Collection

Photo source: mygreatfood.com

I already tried 3 or 4 flavors. So far I have not been disappointed. Filipino ice cream flavors at its finest.

Silvana from House of Silvanas

Photo source: cafemunchkin.com

House of Silvanas Bakeshop was one of the participants in a food expo last September. That was my second time to have a bite of that cold, crunchy, creamy, sweet round disc. I’m really wishing they have a shop nearby.

Chef Tony’s Popcorn

Photo source: pinasgift.com

Sure it’s a bit pricey compare to other sort. But this brand is living up to their slogan “A tub of happiness is nothing but the best gourmet popcorn in the world.”

*****Not the end…*****

P.S. In short, wag nyo ko bibigyan ng fruitcake pag Christmas. :D

Fruitcake talaga? #so90's #angluma LOL

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A Beautiful Speck of Mindanao

True to life sweethearts, Ryan and Janis have been friends for almost a decade. Their fondness for anime served as the foundation of a wonderful camaraderie which later on blossomed into a beautiful love affair. Ryan finished Electronics and Communication Engineering while Janis took up Economics. In their pursuit of a successful career in their own field, the two took a surprising turn together. They ventured into various businesses such as call center training school, internet cafe, snack bar and the most recent, event organizing. From being anime enthusiasts to being friends to exclusively dating to business partners. These two have been through a lot.

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Coming from different field of expertise, organizing events tested their bond the most. But with sheer hardwork, perseverance and creativity they are able to find their niche in the business where competition is constant and complex. Ryan and Janis maybe far from having their own dream wedding, but they are committed in saying “I Do” in every opportunity that will squeeze their creative juices and passion in creating a truly unforgettable episode in one’s life.

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Ryan and Janis are also very fortunate that their business venture is supplemented with collective talents and efforts of dedicated professionals, family and friends who vow to create events that are cost-efficient and uniquely true to their clients. Artistic teenagers also play integral part. They are a true testament that the today’s youth still has so much potential. Given an opportunity they’ll gonna shine brightly.

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Meeting these people was just one of the many highlights of my 15-day vacation in Surigao City last April. Surigao, as we all know, is part of Mindanao region. That is why it is so heartbreaking that in some parts of the region, there is war. Surigao has left me with pleasant images - from the sceneries, the fresh air, the simple life, to the artistry of the people. I believe what I saw was just a speck of more marvellous things to explore. Ang ganda ng Mindanao. Mindanao has so much potential. It is so easy to fall in love. Unfortunately, this seemingly endless violence is causing everybody (even foreign tourists) to be extra cautious. Personally, it paralyzes my desire to see the other parts. Even if the war ends, it would take me a lot of guts (and prayers) to make a visit. Because war leaves negative impact. It hurts not only our economy but above all many are being killed. Next, we lose our freedom to savor God's natural gift.

#PrayingforZamboanga

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